Knollfest: The Complete Story

First, I’d like to thank all of those that joined the PHX Knolly crew. We had members from Boston to Seattle, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico and California join us for an incredible weekend, consisting of 75 degree weather, and lots of sun.

Honestly, when I began to plan this, my goal was to be able to ride with Noel. Leading up to the event, I had a suspicious feeling that Noel would make a surprise entrance with Dusty Friday afternoon. Later in the day Thursday, just before I headed out to pick up Woodyak, Muttonchops, and RDH at the airport. I received a note from Noel. He mentioned he would be unable to attend, and thanked me for arranging Knollfest PHX. Very cool, thanks to Noel and Dusty for the support. The swag was certainly a big hit.

Now let’s get to the goods. We had what I believe to be 21 different Knolly riders over a 3 day, 4 ride weekend.

Friday morning started out with a few faces that I wasn’t expecting. Calhoun, Woodyak, RDH, Rock Dude, Muttonchops and I pulled in to the trailhead, and you could feel the excitement building. We unloaded, geared up, took the first group shot and started climbing 24th Street.
(some duplicate photos, thanks to Skins for many great photos)

As the 10 Chilcotins and 1 DT rode and hiked our way up 24th Street, we paced over to Buena Vista where we expected to meet with Dusty for the descent down Geronimo to Cochise. I received a text from Dusty, they would not be able to make the descent and would hook up with us for the afternoon ride.

We geared up and the first real descent was about to begin. This is the time everyone was waiting for, what did PHX really have to offer? Was it really that good? I can only interpret the smiles I saw on Geronimo, which is a chunky, yet somewhat speedy run with little to no flow, as an overwhelming “YES”.

We turned down the hit Cochise, a trail rarely ridden by anyone, simply due to the technical nature of the trail, and the risks which come with it. The heart of the trail is 3 techy left hand switchbacks, followed by a mad scramble of chunk to the bottom.

Unfortunately, we did have a casualty on the second switchback. Calhoun took a hard header and looked to have broken a finger, and damaged a few joins. His hand quickly began to swell and it was obvious he was in a lot of pain. RDH, MD. stepped in and assessed the situation, provided some medical attention, and Calhoun decided to sit out the afternoon ride in an attempt to be prepared for the Saturday Goat Camp ride.

We stopped into Los Dos Molinos for a quick bite to eat, and headed up to the next trailhead for some nice tech climbing. We moved quickly up Kiwanis, and spun to road over to Holbert were we once again geared up and began the second descent of the day.

The Holbert descent was a thing of beauty. Everyone seemed to fall right into place, were perfectly spaced and we mashed it out at pace I never expected was possible with 16 riders. Once we finished the descent, we hung out in the lot for a while, had a few beers, receive some killer swag, then headed to dinner.

Saturday started out with breakfast at my place for the whole group. We had 8lbs of bacon, 4lbs of sausage, 54 eggs, 24 bagels, 3 gallons of OJ, 3 gallons of milk, 2 coffee pots running continuously, and countless amount of fruit. As we fueled up for what would surely be THE ride of the weekend, we did some quick bike preparations, loaded up, and hit the road for a short drive to the trailhead.

As we began to gear up for the descent, a strange silence overcame the group…FOCUS. We moved through the drop-in, guys were hoot’n and holler’n as they worked their way through the chunkiest segment of trail they had seen yet. We regrouped and moved on to the first session spot…the Spiral Staircase. dirtbag, Ronnie, and myself show the group the man line, through a tight rock squeeze which eats bikes and riders alike. I decided I would take the first shot at it to show the group the line. Amazng the pressure that comes with an audience. We spent nearly an hour sessioning the Staircase.

After a nice relaxing gathering at the cars, we headed back to my place for dinner. As we ate, we watched the Red Bull Rampage, and later decided to run the photos from Skins on the big screen. This may have been one of the best features of the weekend as it seemed we were captioning every photo, and laughing to the point my gut hurt.

Sunday was a bit more of a mellow ride. We did an out and back on National. This was a great last day ride choice as it is fast, flowy, and the effort required was less than that of the previous days ride.

Sadly, this reports comes at the expense of the end of the inaugural Knollfest. Plans are already in the works for Knollfest 2013. Thanks to all who attended, I hope you take some time to share your experiences .

Great recap TiSS'er, and thanks for playing host, guide, coach, concierge, etc. all weekend long! Bikes and body parts are a little banged up, but that's a small price to pay for such a great weekend of riding with a great collection of individuals. Looking forward to the 2013 event

Thank You

What a great experience!
Thank you Brandon and Family, Phoenix crew (Ronnie, RJ, Javier, Vik, Les, Lawrence, Rex, and the rest of the crew), and the rest of the Knolly crew that made the trip. Its always nice to put a face with a name.

There was some impressive riding going on this weekend. Phoenix is such a unique riding location. It was great to see everyone killing it; especially the locals.

Wished I could of made it so my day glo yellow frame could have brightened up that crowd
But after 23 miles with 2900ft of climbing I was done after Saturday- maybe next go round or maybe the next event may be in the NW......

What an awesome weekend. Thanks to everyone that brought the stoke and made it happen.

Big thanks to tiSSer and Tania for hosting everyone at their awesome home. tiSSer even recruited his mom to help cook breakfast on Saturday...how awesome is that.

The weekend went like clockwork with no mechanicals, only two pinchflats, no bad crashes (Calhoun kept riding and drinking), dudes were on time with their sh1t together and everyone was able to keep up with the pace, shred the gnar and have a good time.

The riding was top notch and I have to admit that area is a true suspension / bike / rider testing ground. Their is very little room for error and very litttle time to relax on the descents. I used to think that the PNW was the ultimate bike testing ground...i no longer think that is true. This terrain is brutal and non stop. I definitely left a lot of aluminium (pronounced:- aa-loo-min-ium) out in the desert....

I think tiSSer had the routes totally dialed. There were no logistical issues and all rides popped right out at the car. It might have been a master stroke to start up 24th...it allowed time for any unnecessary adrenalin or excitement to be totally evaporated, allowed us to get an idea of the terrain we were in and to get to know each other better before hitting the DH.

my memories:-
- Squealing each time i tagged a cactus on upper Goat Camp and then hearing Dusty Bottoms yelp about 2 seconds behind me
- trying unsuccesfully to pull cactus thorns out my glove with my teeth while riding
- Goat Camp DH after the spiral staircase (about when Woodyak had to stop and allow his brain to catch up)!
- The final DH section of National...riding behind Gary and Les...two of the fastest old geezers I have ever had the honor of trying to keep up with
- Chilling after the rides and BS'ing with the crew in the parking lot
- Laughing and heckling while dudes sessioned
- Hoping in 15 yrs that i can still suffer and hang like Rock Dude.

(Edit: still adding names and screen names to tag photos as I figure it out)

+1 more really satisfied Knollfest attendee here. Awesome event. I highly doubt that any other owner group has the combined tech skills as the Knolly guys do.

I never thought we'd get up and down Goat Camp with 17 people before dark, but everyone had their stuff together and knew how to handle a bike. Maybe Noel just attracts that kind of rider.

All really nice guys too. It was a blast hanging out with you all.

A few pics from day one at SoMo: If I'm sure of the name I'll add a tag.... if not, help me out and I'll fill in later (or correct me if I'm wrong).

Some climbing took place as well. This on National just after where Mormon and National merge.
Mark hitting the first step up
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19516547@N04/8260618946/" title="DSC01389 by kentsaundra, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8215/8260618946_316b9e3c7f_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="DSC01389"></a>

Jim same spot. Feel free to add a screen name for further identification.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19516547@N04/8259549173/" title="DSC01390 by kentsaundra, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8208/8259549173_dbe1c50d1f_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="DSC01390"></a>

I love how most everyone has some sort of tongue-out total concentration look on their face at this point. Where I'm standing to take this shot is about a 6-8 foot very rocky penalty for highsiding this turn, so you can understand the need for focus. Good wheel placement and correct mometum equal success whereas if you miss by "this" much you may end up on you face.
More Dave/muttonchops.... took me a minute to figure out this is you.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19516547@N04/8260603474/" title="DSC01398 by kentsaundra, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8224/8260603474_bb0291f5c2_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="DSC01398"></a>

Then if you clean that first switch you have this right hander that is less chunky but no less sharp and your front wheel wants to aim for that little flat rock and wash down the hill. Keep it tight and you're good.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19516547@N04/8259533515/" title="DSC01399 by kentsaundra, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8206/8259533515_2f7838e602_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="DSC01399"></a>

At 51 I'm usually the oldest guy on these types of rides but this Knolly crowd had three or four guys who were my seniors..... and tore it up just fine.
Don't let the grey beard fool you. Here's Les making it look easy. In fact he was one of the strongest climbers too.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19516547@N04/8259531943/" title="DSC01400 by kentsaundra, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8346/8259531943_2d8009afdc_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="DSC01400"></a>

I think this is Ralph AKA rdhfreethought (?) Help me out if I'm wrong. Everyone looks different in their helmet and shades.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19516547@N04/8260591380/" title="DSC01405 by kentsaundra, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8061/8260591380_e9784fd338_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="DSC01405"></a>

Waiting for the group to reassemble after "Bucking Bronco".
First in line is John (Dr. Thunder), then Dave (muttonchops), Vic (I think), Javier in the bandana, Ronnie in the yellow vest, and I believe that's Ralph (rdhfreethought) riding through the super chunk with an audience.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19516547@N04/8260586126/" title="DSC01408 by kentsaundra, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8215/8260586126_914dd54ce0_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="DSC01408"></a>

Here's Lawrence the bearer of frozen Gatorades for all..... so we decided to overlook the fact that he was on a Transition.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19516547@N04/8260580884/" title="DSC01411 by kentsaundra, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8361/8260580884_333f8d3f1d_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="DSC01411"></a>

Still going up (this went on for a good long time but never got too onerous).
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19516547@N04/8259503979/" title="DSC01416 by kentsaundra, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8224/8259503979_3938a9f8d5_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="DSC01416"></a>

Gearing up and rehydrating for the descent...... or is that some liquid courage you have there, Rory?
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19516547@N04/8260543972/" title="DSC01428 by kentsaundra, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8224/8260543972_fab1c16c88_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="DSC01428"></a>

I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth...
Isaiah 58:14

Good Times

Good times with good people! I only got to join for the Friday afternoon ride on Kiwanis/Holbert, but it was definitely a fun crew. I managed to twist my ankle on a short ride on Saturday, and my grapefruit-like ankle the next morning suggested that National would probably not be in the cards for Sunday. Bummer.

I will also say that this was one of the purest concentrations of bike geekery I've yet experienced, intense enough to kill mere mortal men. Luckily, we had all clearly spent many years building up an immunity.

The only remaining question is, what did Kevin do to receive a sweatshirt from the strip club on Baseline years ago?

If I saw a hard-core local pulling out the heavy armor for a descent I would crap my drawers; then start wondering if I should call 911 pre-descent, while I'm still able.

I usually bring my full leg armor for Phoenix riding but didn't this time thinking that all the cool kids would just be rocking the knee pads..... then I remembered why. Not only is the Phoenix terrain hard on equipment, it tears up your skin too..... even if you don't fall. There's plenty of tight spots and cactus to tear up your lower legs.... and I've got the stripes to prove it from this trip.

Last edited by KRob; 12-11-2012 at 04:39 PM.

I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth...
Isaiah 58:14

I can’t believe that I made it down all of them with out any loss of blood.

Thanks to all of you for waiting for me to catch up. I promise I will be faster by the next Knollfest.

Edit: I've added some more name/screen name tags in this post.

Nice meeting you Chuck. Way to hang in there. You showed some awesome perserverance.

Here's a few more pics from the GC descent.
Dave/Muttonchops dropping in the slot on the Spiral Staircase. No one was allowed to try the "Girl's line" on this gathering. Not that Dave would've taken it anyway. He made all the toughest sections look silly easy. Very skilled rider. Nice meeting you Dave.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19516547@N04/8259469967/" title="DSC01431 by kentsaundra, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8078/8259469967_8d4ea106bd_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="DSC01431"></a>

We sesseioned here for about an hour and saw plenty of knobbies buzzing shorts on this steep section. This is Bill/Woodyak gettin' it done.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19516547@N04/8260530306/" title="DSC01435 by kentsaundra, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8480/8260530306_36a12beee1_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="DSC01435"></a>

and rolling through. This shot gives some idea of the sudden elevation drop that occurs at the Staircase.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19516547@N04/8259453681/" title="DSC01442 by kentsaundra, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8356/8259453681_cdc44600e9_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="DSC01442"></a>

Post ride 'bench racing' gathered around a puddle of knolly's. What could be better than that?
Standing with his back to the camera: Kevin (Dusty Bottoms), then clockwise: Richard (Dirtbag), Bill (Woodyak), Pete (pfarrell), Ronnie (kneeling by the van door), Nick (Silent Bob), Jeff (Skins) hiding behind the bike rack, Tim with shirt off (G-Air)
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19516547@N04/8259449115/" title="DSC01444 by kentsaundra, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8354/8259449115_e4484efc09_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="DSC01444"></a>

Maybe this. Just chilling around the pool with great guys basking in the post ride buzz. Great gathering guys. Thanks to all who attended and who contributed.
Looks like Jeff and Tim chilaxin' here.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19516547@N04/8259444449/" title="DSC01446 by kentsaundra, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8203/8259444449_5cd1fbe07b_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="DSC01446"></a>

Last edited by KRob; 12-11-2012 at 03:53 PM.

I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth...
Isaiah 58:14

I usually bring my full leg armor for Phoenix riding but didn't this time thinking that all the cool kids would just be rocking the knee pads..... then I remembered why. Not only is the Phoenix terrain hard on equipment, it tears up your skin too..... even if you don't fall. There's plenty of tight spots and cactus to tear up you lower legs.... and I've got the stripes to prove it from this trip.

In one of your pics Muttonchop's shins look like they got up close & personal with several of the "friendly" desert rocks and plants.

Lots of awesome riding gentlemen. It looks like tons of fun but the pictures make me realize that I would have been the anchor. With "Ninja Dusty" pushing me I might have been able to keep up when climbing*, but my stretcher ride after the first obstacle would have totally slowed the group.

*No offense meant to your ninja pushing skills, Dusty. Just say'n it would be hard to push all this fat up all those hills.

Thanks for posting up some photos Krob. I have copied like 300 photos from Skins which I need to sort through and will certainly post in batches to keep the stoke alive.

This was the first event that I have organized/attended where the riders were so well matched. I still can't believe how quickly we blew out Goat Camp, even spending an hour sessioning the Spiral Staircase. It was great to see everyone cheering on the riders and providing guidance. I loved hearing the cheers as someone made it through the notch, and the jeers as they ended up sprawled out on the granite!

I hardly believe it is coincidence that 20 riders are all of the same skill set and level. We didn't have a single rider fall outside of the bell curve, which made the event that much better. It always seems like you develop small clicks when you have a group this size, but I never saw that. Everyone was having a great time.

When you can take that many people down goat Camp at that pace, and walk away with no injuries, that is a win.

Thanks again to all for joining us in the desert. I hope you enjoyed the rides, have some great memories, and hurt a little

If there are any other Knollicians out there that want to sample our terrain, look me up (Noel included ), I'll see what I can do to make you really appreciate your Knolly!

Thanks tiSSer and everyone else. again, i'll say what already been said numerous times, great riding and even better bunch of dudes. the collective group's riding skills where amazing! After getting to the bottom of holbert on Friday afternoon, i just kept thinking to myself, "there is no way a group of 17 guys just rode THAT, that fast." mad skills boys!!! great riding with you all and look foward to more in the future.
cheers,
pete

Lots of awesome riding gentlemen. It looks like tons of fun but the pictures make me realize that I would have been the anchor. With "Ninja Dusty" pushing me I might have been able to keep up when climbing*, but my stretcher ride after the first obstacle would have totally slowed the group.

*No offense meant to your ninja pushing skills, Dusty. Just say'n it would be hard to push all this fat up all those hills.

I ended up taking a detour and the "long" way up the Goat Camp climb, so I wasn't around to assist the group on that climb. Luckily, the trail re-merged with the correct route, so I "re-appeared".... much like a ninja.

Hey Krob...thanks for the pics. I keep coming back to this thread to relive a little more of the weekend. New pics help!

That is me (Jeff) hiding behind the bike rack and Tim aka G-Air sitting shirtless. Dr. Thunder (John, right?) was our riding partner up Kiwanis and unfortunately was working Saturday.

Keep the pics, videos, and stories coming everyone!

Jeff

PS: first words out of my 2-year old's mouth when he saw me in the light: "Daddy has an owwwwie!". Yes, daddy has lots of owwwwies.

Thanks for the help with the names, Jeff. I was about to ask who claimed the G-Air screen name because I saw from a post of his that he was there but didn't think I had met him at the gathering (we really didn't share screen names much unless I asked).

Yes, John is the one we rode up Kiwanis with stopping to session several of the tricky spots. Nice guy. Excellent rider. So that's Dr.Thunder. I think I met him and Tim right about the same time in the BAPL so must've got their screen names confused.

I'll make corrections.

Bumps and bruises abound. My wife couldn't help but notice a huge raspberry/bruise on my left hip from my little OTB on GC. She's used to seeing me bloodied and bruised after rides like these though.

I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth...
Isaiah 58:14

I ended up taking a detour and the "long" way up the Goat Camp climb, so I wasn't around to assist the group on that climb. Luckily, the trail re-merged with the correct route, so I "re-appeared".... much like a ninja.

geo setting?

was there any discussion of the preference for high angle/BB for SOMO? were people riding what they normally ride, whatever that was? w/ the Chilcotin's option, it'd be interesting to hear since everybody was riding exactly the same stuff.

was there any discussion of the preference for high angle/BB for SOMO? were people riding what they normally ride, whatever that was? w/ the Chilcotin's option, it'd be interesting to hear since everybody was riding exactly the same stuff.

I much prefer steep setting for all of our riding, There is nothing here where the slack setting provides enough of an advantage for me to justify changing it. Having the extra BB height and pedal clearance is useful.